Counsel #6 — Limit Screen Time!

Picture: Counsel #6 — Limit Screen Time!CR 117.1

One of the greatest hindrances to cognitive development in your toddler and young child is screen time. Screen time at this early age can hinder language acquisition, problem-solving skills, and creativity. When children are passively consuming content on screens, they miss out on opportunities for hands-on exploration and social interaction, which are essential for developing these crucial skills.CR 117.2

Furthermore, young children who spend more than an hour a day in front of screens may become more aggressive, impulsive, and less attentive. This is because screens can disrupt the natural development of self-regulation and emotional control. Additionally, the blue light emitted by screens can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to irritability, difficulty concentrating, and even learning problems.^{[110]https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/}CR 117.3

In place of screen time, parents should engage young children in stimulating activities, such as reading, playing games, and exploring their environment­—particularly in nature—to foster their cognitive development.CR 117.4

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 ESVCR 117.5

“Nothing is more important than the early training of children. The lessons learned, the habits formed during the years of infancy and childhood have more to do with the formation of the character and the direction of the life than have all the instruction and training of after years.” Ellen White in The Ministry of Health and Healing, p. 214CR 117.6

Reflect: If you are a parent, do you think your own habits are influencing your child's screen time usage?CR 117.7